(JollofNews) – The Gambia’s Interior minister, Mai Ahmad Fatty, has described Friday’s protest in Kanilai by residents of Foni against the heavy military presence in their community as an act of provocation.
In a televised address to the nation on Saturday, Mr Fatty said the protesters from ‘villages in Foni and border villages inside Casamance’ were armed with traditional weapons and had engaged in provocative act against members of the security forces in the area, and made some demands and one of which was removal of security personnel from the Kanilai area.
He added that the protesters had failed to secure a permit from the Inspector General of Police to organise their protest contrary to the laws of the Gambia and had set fire to tyres, obstructed traffic and caused commotion in the area.
Mr Fatty said while the government will continue to respect and protect the right to peaceful and democratic protest, it will not accept any form of violent protest.
“Enough is enough. You either abide by the law or you will be consumed by the law. No community will violate the law and get away with it,” the minister warned.
He vowed to come down heavily on those responsible for the violence adding: “As I am speaking to you, about 22 people have been arrested. Some have fled the village. The village alkalo (village head) of Kanilai is in hiding because the travesty of law was committed. If you protest outside the law, you will be contained by the law.”
New democracy if you provoke they can shoot you to death, be very careful with Senegalese army’s.
Old democracy- if children talk, they can be massacred.
Let those cannibals calm down and embrace the new democracy. They cannot be hell bent on dipping their heads into public funds. They must learn how to be entrepreneurs outside of state resources.
My respect to some grandpas who travelled to Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Kinsaza, France and so forth, in the good old days. Those grandfather’s thoughts had been what they could do for their families and the Gambia but not what Gambia can do for them and their families. Witches love to be served rice dipped in oily meat sauce by a gluttonous cannibal of a president.
Where did I hear this first? Oh, yes from the likes of…..Naah, I am not going to join the Gutter and Sewer Poor Comedy Relief Club. Mike, don’t waste your breath on them. It’s futile. A Gambian life wasted by wanton and unwarranted killing under any regime or leadership is unacceptable. Hopefully, cooler, rational and introspective adults and Leadership would materialize and manifest itself among the two Parties. Bleed No More Gambia, Weep Not Gambia. I pray for an end to the “Cheapening” of Gambian Blood and Lives. Let Sanity and Collective Security Govern.
The statement from Mai Fatty is unconvincing. Those of us reading the comments section on Jollof News could see this was an “accident” waiting to happen. So where was the preparation the foresight and the remedies ? And where oh where was the expected discipline from the foreign soldiers ?
You see if you spend so much time and taxpayers money living the jet setting life of “riley” and don’t watch what is going on in your own backyard>>> those in charge
should expect the unexpected and plan for it. 5 star hotels indeed to plan for What? Where? and When?
Report>>>Unconvincing>>> must try harder.
I think the dedicated minister was often on the ground. He is also handling the most difficult ministerial post in the post-dictatorship Gambia. He was there to consult with village elders post-NA elections and there is already great restraints on the part of gambian police in this area. However, I suppose the govt restraints and conciliatory posture might have motivated some protesters to go beyond normal protesting. There are many reported videos and audios making the rounds about the new govt not strong or manly enough and that Jammeh will be back to regain control and that kanilai/Foni people are ready to die to protect Jammeh’s assets.
Therefore, your accusations of lack of foresight on the part of the minister is very simplistic. I think the clash was inevitable. And as you rightly pointed out, we saw that coming and probably every vivid observer as well. Hope both sides learn a lesson now. What is abundantly clear, is that the state, through its security services, cannot abdicate their responsibility in any part of the country and they must stay in kanilai until it desist to be a place of interest for investigators uncovering killings or asset thefts.
Yes My friend>> I accept much of what you say: But did I not read a report online that Government forensic investigators searching for clues and bodies were threatened by ecomig soldiers that they would be shot in the head if they advanced further at Kanalai?>>>? Or am I and the report misstaken.
Sidi/ I was expecting President Barrow to offer condolences to the dead and injured and assure his government would launch a full independent enquiry. This would be what we in Britain would expect and it would make the resident’s of Foni’s anger burn less brightly. But it appears what the opposition say as opposition is not what they do in power. ??? Even the most ardent supporters of Barrow are saying the need for a permit to protest is not supported. This contradicts the Government’s present position which supports Jammeh’s old position { too convenient}
A very confusing range of government supported well wishers and apologists somewhat in disarray.
They didn’t say yes/ they didn’t say no>> but lets work the whole thing out /
>>and yes Kemo>>>ECOMIG soldiers are reported to have threatened Government officers with a bullet in the head.
and Yes as you rightly support>> we saw this coming from 4,000 miles away as simplistic as you say.
It still does not give any comfort to the dead and injured. The report on Foroyaa confirms Jammeh is expected back to Kanalai soon. Under his “leaving agreement” he is free to return to Gambia at any time of his choosing. Perhaps he will do a Gaddafi and erect a tent outside his compound and claim squatters rights ?
Scales, your joking about Yahya returning? ECOMIG will have to vacate is legally owned premises? Now we are going to see what the agreement/deal was for passing the torch. Yahya has balls of steal. Can you post the Yahya return link if possible.
Mike Scales, I had advised you “not to hold your breath” on anything reasonable and Rational thing to do. The Jammeh regime failed in many ways to address human rights issues. Now the Mai Fatty regime aka the Barrow regime has so far paid lip service and a Tone Deaf Attitude with similar Troubling Human Rights Violations or Negligence by Government Officials and or Surrogates Carrying out Orders or Acting on their Own. Either way, it is Disturbing and Depressing and Unacceptable to witness the making of another “Dark Days in Gambia”. Paradoxically, Senegal seems to be involved in the Gambia’s Ongoing deadly Crisis, Saga or whatever one chooses to call it.
Have a look on the current page of Foroyaa>> The journalist presented a very fair and balanced piece taking views from an 80 year old from Kanalai and others and the government’s position. I totally understand the fears from Bajaw and others and why the government are supporting ecomig soldiers. Thankyou for posting the ecowas led deal for Jammeh to leave>> this was very helpful in understanding the whole issue.
” Nelson Manneh” reporting Foroyaa.
Mike
For your clarification; Bajaw ardently support democracy & rules of law, justice & human equality; NOT necessarily “ardent Barrow supporter”…
Anybody who’s been following my contributions can tell you I don’t have any political affiliation…
I just relayed the evidence I’m privy to about some aspects of this particular so-called demonstrations; & have stated I’m not privy to all information especially the incident leading to the shootings…
I, for one will do ANYTHING; including risking my life for Gambia; it’s the virtues I inculcate in my children; I live here in UK with you; u couldn’t travel for last election in Gambia due to commitments but 2 of my children travelled, fully participated in Coalition campaigns & voted to contribute our Constitutional quotas to salvage the country from the grips of murderous tyrannical decadence…
I will still defend that hard-earned freedom in anyways possible to my last breaths…
Just for your information…
I thank you very much.
Rectification – it’s the same virtues I inculcate in my children too – I couldn’t travel for election due to commitments – thanking you.
Bajaw: We appear to understand what’s at stake. You>>> by” hands on” experience and patriotism. And me by taking on board as much internet information as possible and then presenting the balanced views. We are all brothers under God. The peace and stability for Gambia and the improvement for the many must reside in careful and caring hands such as yours. No to tyranny Yes to Freedom.
Kemo; I have conversed with Mai Fatty on several occasions. A more decent patriotic Gambian you could ever wish to meet. He was particularly instrumental and influential in highlighting the desperate plight of Gambians to Ecowas and the rest of the world in general. He now shoulders the hopes of Gambia/ I am certain he will carry this burden with distinction. But there are “muddy waters” from the terrible past that need to be filtered by fresh cleansing democratic water.